How Can Light Exist When Time is Stopped?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the conceptual question of how light can exist in scenarios where time is stopped, particularly in the context of science fiction narratives. Participants explore the implications of time stoppage on the behavior of light and the feasibility of such scenarios in storytelling.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how light (photons) can exist if time is stopped, suggesting that the stoppage would affect everything at an electronic level, including light sources.
  • Another participant asserts that the hero cannot stop time and expect normal functioning of the universe, indicating numerous complications that would arise.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that the term "flaw" implies that writers attempt to use good science, which they argue is not the case in many TV shows and movies.
  • One participant acknowledges that while some science fiction films may attempt to incorporate real science, the production process often leads to a compromise on scientific accuracy for aesthetic reasons.
  • Another participant expresses confidence that a compelling science fiction story could be created without violating known science, emphasizing the fascination of real science.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the portrayal of time stoppage in science fiction is flawed or unrealistic, but there is no consensus on the extent to which writers attempt to incorporate scientific principles into their narratives.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the implications of time stoppage on physical phenomena, and there are unresolved questions regarding the relationship between storytelling and scientific accuracy.

spooky
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how do we...

:confused:
hello guyz
this is my first query on this site i recently joined
i have a lot of questions stocked up in my head here is the first one

i know the answer to this one but i may be wrong
i like to see sci-fi movies and especially i am interested in ones where there is usually movement in time sum body going to the past that is or the one where the hero usually stops the time

well know here is the question that wen the hero stops the time how can he see light wen the light (photons)can only exist wen it is traveling at the speed of light because it can only exist then ... but the time has been stopped the stoppage means that it effects everything to the electronic level hence the source producing the light will stop producing it and the supply will be cut of not to mention the one mid way will also stop and hence it will cease to exist
...
i think that its a flaw that the movie producers usually make .... am i right ... ineed other peoples opinion ...please reply soon...
 
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Well, there isn't any way he can do that. Write the producers and tell them so. Did you ever notice how all the aliens encountered on Star gate not only are basically humn in configuration but all speak English? Latin or Chinese or Caveman I could understand, but English?
 
"Flaw" is a very generous term, in that it implies writers for TV shows/movies make an attempt to use good science in their stories.

They don't.
 
Welcome to Physics Forums, spooky. You're right...the hero can't stop time and still expect everything to function normally (aside from everyone freezing in their tracks). The ways that would mess with the workings of the universe seem too numerous to list.
 
DaveC426913 said:
"Flaw" is a very generous term, in that it implies writers for TV shows/movies make an attempt to use good science in their stories.

They don't.

For actual SF films, I think there are attempts to use good science. (e.g., writers/directors consulting with some scientist) SF fans will nitpick flaws, so there is great incentive. But I wouldn't be surprised to find that due to all the people involved in production, any attempts to "keep it real" gets skewed by 100 other opinions that go into the making of each scene. Reality likely takes a back seat to aesthetics.
 
Phobos said:
Reality likely takes a back seat to aesthetics.

Alas, that is almost always the case. However, I am still confident that a great science-fiction story could be created (and interpreted as a movie or T.V. show) without violating known science. I base this on the following:

1) Science (as in real Science) is fascinating. People just don't realize it, and sci-fi flicks aren't helping.

2) I'm writing it :approve:.
 

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